Frequently Asked QuestionsHow does the ß16AsthmaGEN™ drug response test work?Which inhalers contain albuterol? How is the sample taken? Is there published scientific literature describing this test? How will I get my result? My inhaler isn't working for me, does that mean I have the Arg/Arg genotype? If I have the Arg/Arg genotype, can I discontinue use of my albuterol inhaler? I do not use a beta-agonist as part of my treatment. Can I still benefit from taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test? If I have the Arg/Arg genotype, what are my treatment options other than albuterol? Is there any risk to taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test? Will this test tell me if I am likely to develop asthma? Does Nimble Diagnostics accept international orders? How is shipping arranged? What are the advantages of using Nimble Diagnostics? What are the important things to look for in a testing company? Tell me about Nimble Diagnostics. Does Nimble Diagnostics offer other genetic testing services? How can I contact Nimble Diagnostics? How does the ß16AsthmaGEN™ drug response test work?In October 2004, the scientific journal Lancet published a study on the effects of a DNA variation on the most commonly prescribed asthma medication, albuterol. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, drew wide attention from the medical community. Albuterol is one of several drugs in a class known as beta-agonists which interact with the beta2 adrenergic receptor. The researchers found that individuals with a particular DNA variant in the beta2 adrenergic receptor gene did not benefit from the use of albuterol inhalers. On the contrary, their symptoms improved after eliminating albuterol from their treatment. The ß16AsthmaGEN™ test will tell you your genotype (sequence of DNA code) at a specific location in the beta2 adrenergic receptor gene. Individuals with a certain polymorphism (DNA variation) at this location should consult their doctor about using albuterol as part of their treatment. You can find a list of medications containing albuterol here. Knowing your genotype at this polymorphism will be very useful to you and your doctor as you work together to manage your asthma. In the US, about 15% of Caucasian and 20% of African-American asthma sufferers have this genotype. Do you? You can learn more about asthma from the following sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Which inhalers contain albuterol?Albuterol is sold under the following brand names:
A more detailed list of medications that contain albuterol can be found here. How is the sample taken?Collecting a sample for the test simply requires you to gently rub a swab on the inside of the cheek to collect cells. The swab is then sent back to our laboratory where DNA is extracted from the cheek cells and analyzed for the presence of the Arg and Gly genetic variants which determine your response to albuterol. This method determines your genetic variant with over 99% accuracy. Is there published scientific literature describing this test?Below is a selection of scientific articles related to asthma, genotype, and beta-agonist medication:
How will I get my result?Your result comes in an easy to read report. This document is sent to the email address you provide during the ordering process. My inhaler isn't working for me, does that mean I have the Arg/Arg genotype?In addition to the genotype at the beta2 adrenergic receptor, there are many other reasons why your medication may not be working well for you. You should consult your doctor about your symptoms and your treatment. If your treatment does not currently include a beta-agonist medication, knowing your genotype at the beta2 adrenergic receptor may help your physician make more personalized changes to your treatment. If I have the Arg/Arg genotype, can I discontinue use of my albuterol inhaler?You should not make any treatment decisions without first consulting your doctor. After taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test, you may take your result to your physician to discuss the implications your genotype may have on your current treatment. I do not use a beta-agonist as part of my treatment. Can I still benefit from taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test?Treatment regiments for asthma are constantly changing. Knowing your genotype at the beta2 adrenergic receptor may help your physician make more personalized changes to your treatment in the future. If I have the Arg/Arg genotype, what are my treatment options other than albuterol?In addition to beta-agonists, there are other classes of asthma medicines called anticholinergics and corticosteroids. If the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test detects that you have an Arg/Arg genotype, you should consult your doctor about these other treatment options. Is there any risk to taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test?There is no foreseeable risk to taking the ß16AsthmaGEN™ test. The sample collection is simple and non-invasive. Your information and test results are completely confidential and no one can gain access to them. Nimble Diagnostics will not share your information with anyone. Will this test tell me if I am likely to develop asthma?No. The ß16AsthmaGEN™ test is not a test of asthma susceptibility. It is a test of drug interaction intended to be used by individuals who have already been diagnosed with asthma. Does Nimble Diagnostics accept international orders?Yes! We accept orders from anywhere in the world, and the sample can be sent to one of several Nimble Diagnostics international locations. We also can accept payment in almost any currency if requested. How is shipping arranged?We will ship a test kit out to you anywhere in the world free of charge within 24 hours of receiving an order. Once the samples have been collected, the kit should be mailed back to us. If there are any other special requests regarding shipping, please contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate them. What are the advantages of using Nimble Diagnostics?
What are the important things to look for in a testing company?There are several DNA testing companies offering what look like very cheap tests, however, NOT ALL DNA TESTS ARE OF EQUAL QUALITY. To avoid getting an incorrect result from your test which could have devastating consequences, always ensure the following:
Tell me about Nimble Diagnostics.Information about our company can be found here. Does Nimble Diagnostics offer other genetic testing services?We also offer a full range of DNA paternity tests, prenatal gender DNA tests, family relationship DNA tests, and ancestry DNA tests. We are also currently negotiating to perform a number of other diagnostic tests with our usual high standards. These will be available from our website soon. If you have any questions regarding any genetic tests please contact us. How can I contact Nimble Diagnostics?Our contact information can be found here. |
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